The clouds lifted as we met in picturesque Victoria Park this evening, to converse over a game of Kuub.

It was a good-sized team on board for this leisurely Thursday evening pastime. Beers were cracked open, red t-shirts donned and members we hadn’t seen for a while welcomed.

As the clouds gave way to a beautiful August sunset, Kuub rules were absorbed, sticks laid out and on we played.

Contrary to their name, The Downhill Team consisting of Si, Heather, John and Alex played strongly from the off, securing several strong topples in the opening few rounds.

The Uphill Team, however, buoyed by Even’s effervescent spirits and flowing Prosecco, pulled it all out of the bag at the eleventh hour.

Joel and Aarani kept the puns flowing, several of which had to be put to the 9pm watershed panel.

After an outstanding victory to The Uphill Team, we moved onto a quick game of rounders, where Team Downhill sought revenge with some strong bowling, batting and fielding by Joel on Team Uphill.

Following this lovely sprint finish to the evening, we enjoyed a Prosecco and Popchip finale as the sun set.

It was a great-sized group that gathered to litter-pick and gravel-spread for our first Group Run of the year.

We met in the far corner of Vicky Park where we welcomed first time runners, ran through the health and safety bits, and enjoyed a couple of dynamic stretches.

Speeds for all

In two groups, we then sped off to The Hub to meet Mark and the team for tonight's activity. The Leisurely Pace Crew took it easy with me, with a nice slow jog via the most direct route, while those who meant business headed off for a mile-plus detour of the East of the park, with our running pro, Chris.

A couple more joined us at The Hub and before we knew it we were dispatched into two groups: the litter-pickers and the gravel-spreaders.

Two teams, two tasks

The litter-pickers headed out to all four corners of the park, enjoying the combination of a stroll with a lot of productivity (and great company), while the sturdy team of eight gravel-spreaders got a Monday workout-and-a-half, as they shovelled barrow full of barrow of gravel, wheeled it to the play area where a team of two proceeded to rake it over the swings.

That's a lot of contribution to your park tonight, team: helping distribute a surface to make the swings safer, and helping clear up after a big, big weekend in the park.

It was a lovely time together: warm, fun, appreciated...

More to come

It's the start of our new regular activity with the Parks team, who are keen to have us back asap, so... well done all.

The shout-outs

A special big shout-out this week to our first time runners, Aarani and Naike and to Chris who suggested the venue and activity for tonight, and for helping plan and lead.

Until next week!